We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

New!Find and book your ideal hotel on TripAdvisor — and get the lowest prices

We were excited to go to the Red Lion for dinner as a number of people advised it was a great place and eating experience. Not so for us I'm afraid.
It started badly with the surly staff member who took us to our table. He was uncommunicative and gave off a distinctly unfriendly vibe that was definitely unwelcoming.
I...
More

4 of us went Friday night to celebrate a birthday.
Starters were fine, 2 mussels, 1 scallops, and 1 venison scotch egg.
Main meals: 3 were good, but I had the lamb chops which were overcooked and tough. Also the mash was a solid lump, and the veg tasteless! Another thing was the cutlery, which was poor quality and difficult...
More

Helpful?

1Thank Lynnesg2001

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Lynnesg2001, If you had a problem with your meals why not mention it at the time? We always do everything within our power to put things right. If you had told us about the lamb being overcooked we would have replaced it for you no question, unfortunately some times chefs make mistakes after all they are human too, the same...
More

Some of the New Forest pubs seem a bit indifferent - almost as though with a captive audience they cant be that bothered. Well, this pub is different.
Just outside the national park boundary it is worth a trip out. The nice touches are not just the welcoming and attentive service, but that interesting menu based around local ingredients. They...
More

Helpful?

Thank Independent_Joe

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Thanks' for taking the time to leave us a review Independent_Joe, I am very happy that you like the way we run our pub, we work very hard and it makes it all worth it when people like yourself enjoy their visit. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
More

Every time I visit family that live near by, I always make time to visit the Red Lion. Lovely lunch had by the open fire last week, tasty burger & chips. Oh down side is lacking a real chocoholic dessert .

Helpful?

Thank Juicey L

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Thanks' for the review Juicey L, call or Email before your next visit and I will arrange some chocolatey puddings for you ;)
More

My previous review expressed great disappointment at the restaurant having no record of our booking and consequently being seated at a very inferior table. I was very impressed to have been contacted by manager Alan who apologised and undertook to investigate. He swiftly found out who was responsible, what had happened and profusely apologised. I call this good service and...
More

Thank you for taking the time to leave us another review, I call it normal that when things go wrong and it is our fault, that we do everything within our power to put things right. I am so happy that your return visit was a pleasant one and look forward to welcoming you back.
More

Stopped here for a drink whilst driving out for the day. Very welcoming & friendly. We didn't actually have any food, but the menu looked good and what came out for other diners looked very nice. Seemed to be a popular place & will give it a go next time we are in the area.

Easy to find in a beautiful part of the New Forest, just a short drive to Lymington.
A wonderful smiling host and his wife to greet you..calm, collective encompassed in true professionalism..what a start to our first visit to this charming pub and restaurant.
We had been recommended to the Red Lion..and we were certainly not disappointed..
the service..with a...
More

Helpful?

2Thank avoca70

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Wow thank you so much Derek and Alma, such high praise. The whole team here at The Red Lion would like to offer you our thanks for you kind words, please make yourself known to me or my wife on your next visit as we would like to thank you in person. It means a lot to all of us...
More

What a lovely place to go, food delicious as were the owners who went out of their way to help us choose the wine by letting us taste every wine on the menu! The food was delicious, I particularly recommend the stake and ale pie, and the whisky bread and butter pudding! :)

Helpful?

4Thank Francesca D

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Thanks' very much Francesca D, we are very glad that you enjoyed your visit, it was an absolute pleasure for my wife and I to serve you and your lovely family, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
More

It's improved since it got a little stale around 6 months ago. The menu has become a more interesting and they have moved on from some of the items that seemed to have been there for many years. My wife thinks it better than I do and maybe I've been there so often that I'm over critical.
Some of the...
More

Helpful?

Thank ibothetash

Report

LionAlan, Manager at The Red Lion Boldre, responded to this review

Thanks' for taking the time to give us some feedback ibothetash, if you would like to be seated at a table with more space on your next visit please let us know at the time of booking and we will be happy to do so. Don't feel bad about your wife liking us more than you as I think we...
More

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.

TripAdvisor uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more or change your settings. By continuing, you consent to our cookies.